Empowering Black Single Parents In Toronto

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Empowering Black Single Parents In Toronto

EMPOWERING BLACK SINGLE PARENTS IN TORONTO :

THE EMPRESS WALK INITIATIVE RECEIVES THIS YEAR’S FAMILY INNOVATION TEST GRANT

Toronto, ON – April 29, 2024 – Raising children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can take a toll on the mental health of parents, guardians and caregivers. From navigating complex healthcare systems to managing the day-to-day demands of raising a child with special needs, single parents can often grapple with heightened levels of stress and anxiety, highlighting the urgent need for greater support and care for families in need in Ontario.

The Empress Walk Initiative, a groundbreaking project aimed at supporting and mentoring Black single parents of children with Autism, is one of the recipients of this year’s Family Innovation Test Grant, funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) and distributed by The Ontario Trillium Foundation. This initiative is a  collaboration between The Empress Walk Initiative and Stolen From Africa-Vole D’Afrique, a long-standing, national, non-profit, arts education organization that promotes the cultural and historical contributions of the African Diaspora.

Black single parents are at risk of living in poverty, isolation and are often subject to gender and race-based discrimination. According to the 2016  Census, 27% of black women, aged between 25 and 59, were lone parents. (1) With about one in every fifty children and youth under the age of 18 affected by ASD in Canada, (2) this means that these families in particular suffer disproportionately from a complexity of determining factors that influence their health, prosperity and quality of life.

Additionally, black people face many barriers in accessing services and resources that are unbiased, culturally sensitive and available within their local communities. The Empress Walk Initiative seeks to address these disparities by providing comprehensive mentorship and community support that is tailored to the specific needs of Black single parents and their children with ASD.

Through this project, participants will access vital resources addressing mental health, Autism-specific information, self-advocacy and system navigation. It will equip Black single parents with tools and knowledge in safe, cultural, community-based environments, The Empress Walk Initiative aims to achieve better health and educational outcomes for the black single parents and children participating in the project.

“We are thrilled to have received this award,” said Giselle Dildy, Creator and Program Coordinator of The Empress Walk Initiative. “This funding will allow us to expand our reach and provide crucial support to Black single parents and children with ASD in Toronto. By bridging the gaps experienced by these families, we hope to foster a more inclusive and supportive society for all people, especially for those within the black and disability communities.”

The collaboration with Stolen From Africa-Vole D’Afrique brings valuable expertise and resources to the initiative, further enhancing its impact on its key demographic. Together, these organizations are committed to empowering Black single parents while promoting the well-being of children with ASD.

“We are honored to partner with The Empress Walk Initiative on this important project,” said Neil Donaldson, of Stolen From Africa. “By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Black families affected by Autism.”

The Empress Walk Initiative is grateful for the support of the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, whose funding makes this initiative possible. By funding grassroots groups and nonprofits,Trillium is paving the way for positive change for Ontario black single parents, guardians, caregivers and children with ASD.

For more information about The Empress Walk Initiative, please contact us by email at theempresswalk@gmail.com.

About The Empress Walk Initiative

The Empress Walk Initiative began as an awareness campaign about the physical and mental health of black and racialized women in the Greater Toronto Area. The initiative grew to support and empower Black single parents and children with ASD . Through peer mentorship, training, and support services, this grassroots collective aims to address the unique challenges while promoting better health and educational outcomes for these individuals.

About Stolen From Africa-Vole D’Afrique – https://www.stolenfromafrica.org/

Stolen From Africa-Vole D’Afrique:(SFA)began as a t-shirt campaign in 2004. Highlighting social justice issues and stories of oppression on street apparel sparked interest, ignited ideas and encouraged dialogue. For the past 20 years, SFA has worked diligently on developing culturally-relevant educational resources and programming for youth and students experiencing exclusion within the education system.

About the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) and Ontario Trillium Foundation – https://otf.ca/our-grants/youth-opportunities-fund/family-innovations-test-grant

Over the past seven years, the Ontario Trillium Foundation has made significant contributions to the well-being of Ontarians. The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) recognizes the impact that healthy and resilient families have on the future success of young people. Supporting families in which young people thrive, the Family Innovations Test Grant supports parents, guardians and caregiver-led grassroots groups in testing new ideas, exploring different approaches and researching important issues.

Sources:

Contact:

Giselle Dildy

Program Coordinator

The Empress Walk Initiative

theempresswalk@gmail.com